It’s a Nature’s Oasis in Northern Vietnam.
Cat Ba Island instantly stole my heart. The moment I stepped ashore, I was struck by its vibrant, charming atmosphere and a distinct, Hawaiian-like allure. It was love at first sight, a feeling that stayed with me throughout the entire trip. The island’s unique landscape and warm people completely shattered all of my expectations, making it an absolute paradise for nature lovers.
How did I get here & where did I stay?
Before finding this coastal haven, I had spent two nights exploring the captivating Mua Caves in Ninh Binh and its surrounding areas. From there, the journey to the island became an adventure in itself—a patchwork of transit shifting between taxis, a bus, and a ferry until I finally reached Cat Ba’s main town. For the next three days, I lived on two wheels. I hired a motorcycle and thoroughly explored every corner of the island. To make my journey easy for others to trace, I tracked the exact coordinates of the most stunning spots I uncovered. By copying and pasting these coordinates straight into Google Maps, you can find the exact locations where my photos were captured.
20.716, 107.049
20.772, 107.018
20.759, 107.031
My base for this island escape was the Secret Garden Hostel, a spot I wholeheartedly recommend without hesitation. My private room was spacious and impeccably clean, and the food served on-site was truly heavenly. What really made the stay unforgettable, though, was the absolutely amazing staff—they were incredibly attentive and went above and beyond to help with any request.
20.715000, 107.049000
20.815, 106.976
20.805, 106.936
I had great time in Cat Ba Island. Everything was beyond my expectations, the people, the eco system and very unique landscape. Cat Ba Island was a perfect destination for nature lovers like me, and I hope to come back someday.
20.715, 107.049
20.840, 106.984
20.770, 106.970
Leaving was just as seamless as staying. The hostel’s reception effortlessly arranged my entire transit back to Hanoi, handling everything from the hostel door straight to my next accommodation.